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Indian Nationalist Movement - 1885-1916

How the national movement grew from the Moderates' peaceful petitions to the Radicals' demand for swaraj — through the Partition of Bengal, the Surat Split and the Home Rule Leagues.

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What this chapter covers

  1. The Early Nationalists / The Moderates (1885–1905)

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    • Profile and BeliefsEducated middle-class intellectuals and professionals.
    • Objectives and MethodsPeaceful, constitutional petitions for participation.
    • Contribution of the Early NationalistsSpread political awareness and national unity.

  2. The Assertive Nationalists / The Radicals (1905–18)

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    • Profile and BeliefsNo faith in British justice.
    • Objectives and MethodsImmediate swaraj through active opposition.

  3. Key Events and Developments (1905–1918)

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    • Partition of Bengal (1905)Curzon's divide and rule; swadeshi response.
    • Surat Split (1907)Moderates expelled Radicals until 1916.
    • The Muslim League (1906)Founded at Dacca; Muslim political rights.
    • The First World War and India (1914–18)Support for Britain, then disillusionment.
    • The Home Rule Leagues (1916)Tilak and Annie Besant's self-government campaign.
    • The Lucknow Session of the Congress (1916)Lucknow Pact; step towards Hindu–Muslim unity.

Try a sample question

Under whose leadership was the Muslim League established?

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